May 2015
May 16th meeting, 1:30 Georgia Perimeter College 2101 Womack Rd, Dunwoody, GA 30338 Bldg. NC, Room 110 Auditorium
Member Minute - Susan Crawford 1st Speaker - Jack McDevitt 2nd Speaker - Thomas Mullen ...founded in 1914 We are a social and educational club where local writers meet to discuss the craft and business of writing. We also sponsor contests for our members and host ex- pert speakers from the worlds of writing, publishing, and entertainment.
Officers President: Events in May Michael Brown Officers Emeritus: 7-10 World Horror Convention Valerie Connors George Weinstein 8-9 AWC Conference Clay Ramsey Marty Aftewicz 8 Kimberly Schlapman book Conference Director: George Weinstein promo Asst. Conference Dir.: Georgia Lee 14 Callenwold A Book Affair Membership VP: Roger Johns 15 AWC meeting Programs Co-VP: Valerie Connors & Georgia Lee 18 AWC writing contest deadline VP of Marketing & PR Holly McClure 31 Flying South deadline Secretary: Bill Black Treasurer: Valerie Connors New Books Operations VP: Jennifer Wiggins Contests, Awards, Scholarships VP: Nedra Roberts Social Events VP: Rosemarie Perry Volunteers: Historian/By-Laws: George Weinstein Photographers: Andre Santillana Videographer: Jonathan Knott Critique Groups: Ron Aiken eQuill Publisher: Gene Bowen
http://www.facebook.com/people/Atlanta-WritersClub/100000367043383 http://twitter.com/atlwritersclub In This Issue
Letter from the President—4 Silent Voices Monthly Meetings—6 May Speakers, April photos, Picnic, Future Events Contests—9 May AWC Writing Contest, Aesthetica Creative Writing Award, Flying South Writing Contest AWC Conference—13 May AWC Conference Workshops—15 Terry Segal AWC Authors Book Signings, etal—17 Signing Event for Self Publishing Authors AWC Author Spotlight—18 Barbara Brockway, Kerry Denny AWC Author Submission & Other Opps—19 Pilcro & Dagger Mag, Writers Digest Conference Etc.—22 Callanwold A Book Affair, Charles Martin event, Kimberly Schlapman event, World Horror Conference AWC Administrative Matters—25 New Critique Group forming, Critique Group list, Membership form 4 Letter From the President
Silent Voices – May 2015 By Valerie Joan Connors, AWC President
My Presidential Farewell…
On May 18, 2013, as members and guests gradually filled the audito- rium, George, Clay and I practiced passing the AWC silver cups to one another, so our Centennial Video cameraman could capture it on film. We repeated the process several times, until the team from Tin Roof Films was satisfied with the result. Then we did it again for real at the start of the meeting, while George Weinstein led the traditional cere- mony that marks the end of one AWC presidency and the beginning of another. When I stood behind the podium for the first time, I wanted to express my thanks to Clay Ramsey for his four years of service as President of the Atlanta Writers Club, and managed to get about half-way through my comments before I choked up. That really took me by surprise, but it was an indication of how strongly I feel about the club, and how committed I am to both its membership and its legacy. While I tried several times to make it through the paragraph, I eventually had to just give up and move on to the announcements, and later emailed my words to Clay so at least he would know what I was trying to say. What follows is the part that I wasn’t able to finish:
“…When we first talked about my taking over this position [as AWC President], Clay described the role as being a mod- erator, facilitator, motivator, organizer, diplomat, encourager and problem solver. I think he has fulfilled these responsi- bilities consistently, sincerely, generously and fully…”
That’s the job description, in a nutshell. Over the course of the past two years, I hope that I have managed to be some of those things. I have loved being the AWC President. I’ve never worked so hard, or had so much fun.
I was extremely honored to have been the one to present the opening remarks at our Centennial Celebration a year ago. That was an evening I’ll never forget. I had the privilege of introducing more than two decades worth of AWC Presidents, our board of directors, and our keynote speaker, Augusten Burroughs.
During my term as AWC President, I have watched many of our members get published, and gladly promoted their books and events in the newsletter. But this, my 24theQuill, will be the last one that our editor, Gene Bowen, and I collaborate on. I have answered close to a thousand emails from past, present and future members of the AWC, and in addition to my day job, I also managed to publish two novels. I couldn’t have managed all that without the support of my husband, Patrick, who brought me food, and made sure our house didn’t fall down around us while I focused on my many other responsibilities.
At our May 16th meeting we’ll pass the silver cups again. I’ll be receiving the one that Clay is holding in the photo left, but now my name will be engraved on it, too. And, I will have the pleasure of passing the two smaller silver cups to our next AWC President, Michael Brown. I look forward to serving on Mike’s board as Treasurer and Co-VP of Programming, and will support the new administration in any way I can.
I want to express my heartfelt thanks to all the AWC board members, past and present, who have worked beside me over the past two years, and a very special thanks to George Weinstein for backing me up every step of the way, as promised.
Thank you for allowing me to lead this amazing organization. You have touched my heart, and changed my life.
Most Sincerely,
Val 5 Monthly Meetings May 2015 Speaker Profiles
Member Minute: Susan Crawford
Bio: Susan Crawford grew up in Miami, Florida, and graduated from the University of Miami with a BA in English and a minor in psychology. She later moved to New York City and then Boston before settling in Atlanta to raise three daughters and work in the field of adult education. A member of the Atlanta Writers Club and the Village Writers, Susan teaches at Georgia Piedmont Technical College and dabbles in local politics. She lives with her husband and a trio of rescue cats in Atlanta, where she enjoys reading books, writing books, rainy days, and spending time with the people she loves.
Speaker #1: Jack McDevitt
Topic: How to Ensure Your Work Gets Rejected
Bio: Jack McDevitt has been described by Stephen King as “The logical heir to Isaac Asimov and Arthur C. Clarke.” He is the author of twenty-one novels, eleven of which have been Nebula finalists. His novel Seeker won the award in 2007. In 2003, Omega received the John W. Campbell Memorial Award for best science fiction novel. McDevitt’s most recent books are the Priscilla Hutchins origin adventure Starhawk, and Coming Home, an Alex Benedict novel, both from Ace.
A Philadelphia native, McDevitt had a varied career before becoming a writer. He’s been a naval officer, an English teacher, a customs officer, and a taxi driver. He has also conducted leadership seminars for the U.S. Customs Service. He is married to the former Maureen McAdams, and resides in Brunswick, Georgia, where he keeps a weather eye on hurricanes.
Speaker #2: Thomas Mullen
Bio: Thomas Mullen is the author of The Last Town on Earth, which was named Best Debut Novel of 2006 by USA Today and was awarded the James Fenimore Cooper Prize for excellence in historical fiction. His second novel, The Many Deaths of the Firefly Brothers, was awarded the Townsend Prize for best work of fiction by a Georgia author. His books, including his third novel, The Revisionists, have been named to Year's Best lists by such venues as The Chicago Tribune, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, USA Today, The Onion’s A/V Club, The San Diego Union-Times, Paste Magazine, The Cleveland Plain-Dealer, and Amazon. His stories and essays have been published in Grantland, Paste, and The Huffington Post, and his Atlanta Magazine feature about a Marietta novelist con man won the City and Regional Magazine Award for Best Feature. He lives in Decatur with his wife and sons. 6 Monthly Meetings March Meeting Photos by Andre Santillana
1 3
1 – The 2015 AWC Board of Directors (Left to right: Michael Brown, 2 Rosemarie Perry, Nedra Roberts, Holly McClure, Roger Johns, Georgia Lee, Jennifer Wiggins, Bill Black, Clay Ramsey. Not pictured, George Weinstein and Marty Aftewicz.)
2 – New AWC President, Michael Brown with Past President, Valerie Connors
3 – Guest Speaker, Greg Loomis, talks with AWC member, Mary Anna Bryant.
4 – And as always, the books and the bookseller, George Scott.
5 – Zoe Fishman Schacham talks about tone, dialogue and voice. 4 6 – Author Bill (Alex) Walker and Past President Clay Ramsey at the break.
6
5
7 Monthly Meetings Recap
Jessica Handler talked about writing the tough stuff in her workshop last month.
Future Guests & Events
May15th Member Minute - Susan Crawford 1st Speaker - Jack McDevitt 2nd Speaker - Thomas Mullens
June 20th Annual picnic at Holcomb Bridge Park
July 18th Summer Workshop, Dr. Terry Segal, Clear Your
Path to Creativity Through the Enchanted Journey 8 Monthly Meetings Future Guests & Events 2015 AWC Annual Picnic
The annual AWC Picnic is scheduled for Saturday, June 20th, from 12:00 to 3:00 PM. The event will take place at:
Holcomb Bridge Park Marty gets fired up on June 20th! 4300 Holcomb Bridge Road Norcross, GA 30092
AWC Chef and Grill Master, Marty Aftewicz, is planning an extraordinary menu for this year's event! Besides our traditional hamburgers, hotdogs and veggie burgers, Marty will be cooking up barbecued wings, Sloppy Toms and Chicken Francais.
Marty's outstanding grill menu will be accompanied by your potluck contributions, so please plan to bring your favorite dish.
Please RSVP to Rosemarie Perry, VP of Social Events, as soon as possible at [email protected] and let her know what you'll be bringing. Please see the list of suggested items below.
Appetizer or snack Salad Side dish Pasta Vegetable tray Dessert or fresh fruit 24 cans of soft drinks 24 bottles of water 2 or 3 bags of ice (in a large cooler if possible)
We will need a few volunteers to help with set up, clean up, and assistant to the Grill Master. So if you wish to be included on the volunteer list, please contact Jennifer Wiggins, VP of Operations at [email protected].
There will be prizes and other fun activities, so mark June 20th on your calendar!
For our published authors, consider donating an autographed copy of your book for the drawing!
More details to follow, and please don't forget to RSVP so we know how much food to buy.
9 Contests AWC Announces a New Annual Writing Contest!
As part of the continuing celebration of its centennial, the Atlanta Writers Club announces a major revamping of its long-established writing competition for members. The club’s professionally juried biannual contest will now become a prestigious annual event with a significant monetary prize. In honor of three special friends who have supported and inspired our members, the contest will award the following prizes each year: the Terry Kay Prize for Fiction, the Rick Bragg Prize for Nonfiction, and the Natasha Trethewey Prize for Poetry. Beginning in February, information on contest rules and deadline will appear in the club’s eQuills, and on our website at atlantawritersclub.org.
ELIGIBILITY: 1. The AWC 2015 Writing Contest is open to:All current, paid club members. Please check your membership status before submitting your entry. (To join AWC, please contact the Membership VP, Roger Johns at [email protected].)
2. Submissions must be original, unpublished, and un-awarded work. Entrants may submit to only one category per contest.
DEADLINE: Midnight, May 18, 2015.Submissions received after this date will automatically be ineligible.
AWARDS: Each award carries a $200 cash prize. Winners will be announced at our meeting on September 19, 2015.
CONTEST CATEGORIES: Terry Kay Prize for Fiction (Maximum, 3000 words)
Rick Bragg Prize for Nonfiction (Maximum, 3000 words)
Natasha Trethewey Prize for Poetry (Maximum, 90lines)
10 Contests
CONTEST GUIDELINES: Manuscript Format. Failure to adhere to the following format will result in disqualification.
DO NOT place your name anywhere on the manuscript entry
Only Word files (.docx) will be accepted.
Font: 12 pt, Black, Times New Roman
Margins: 1 inch
Line spacing: double – yes, even for poetry.
White background (no colors, photos, graphics or images)
Page size & layout: 8-1/2 x 11; Portrait
First page: Title and Prize Category should appear in the upper left corner Subsequent pages: Title - upper left corner; Page number - upper right corner
PAPER ENTRIES WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
SUBMISSION RULES: Failure to adhere to any of the submission guidelines will lead to disqualification.
Send ONE ENTRY and the corresponding Standard Submission Form (SSF) to [email protected]. There is no template for the SSF; you create the document yourself (see below) and send it as a separate attachment. The entry and SSF both must be sent as attached Word documents (.docx). The SSF is used for identification purposes by Nedra Roberts only. Judges never know the identity of any author; they see only the blind entry document. IMPORTANT: Name the documents by title, i.e. Title.docx and SSF-Title.docx Example: if the title is Moon Fire, the document should be named Moon Fire.docx and the SSF should be named SSF-Moon Fire.docx.
11 Contests
Standard Submission Form (SSF): Prepare and submit an SSF that includes the following information: Author’s Name Prize Category Title of Entry Word Count (Line Count for poetry) Named the document: SSF-Title.docx
When you send the attached Word documents, your EMAIL MESSAGE MUST INCLUDE: Subject Line: AWC 2015 Writing Contest Your name, phone number, prize category, title Example: Dear Nedra, I have attached [Title] for the [Prize Category] and the corresponding SSF. Thank you, [Your name] [Your phone number]
12 Contests Aesthetica Creative Writing Award 2015 Aesthetica Creative Writing Award 2015: Call for Entries
The Aesthetica Creative Writing Award is open for submissions. Now in its eighth year, the award is an internationally renowned prize presented by Aesthetica Magazine and judged by industry experts including Arifa Akbar, literary editor of The Independent. Prizes include £500 and publication in an anthology of new writing, giving you the chance to showcase your work to a wider, international audience. Prizes include: • £500 Poetry winner • £500 Short Fiction winner • Publication in the Aesthetica Creative Writing Annual • One year subscription to Granta • Selection of books courtesy of Bloodaxe and Vintage • Complimentary copy of the Aesthetica Creative Writing Annual There are two categories for entry: Short Fiction (maximum length 2,000 words each) and Poetry (maximum length 40 lines each). Deadline for submissions is 31 August 2015. Entry is £15 plus VAT (approximately $22.42) To enter, visit www.aestheticamagazine.com/creativewriting Flying South 2015 Writing Contest Hello, Atlanta Writers Club, from your friends at Winston- Salem Writers!
We’re now requesting submissions for the 2015 issue of our literary journal, Flying South.
FLYING SOUTH 2015 WRITING CONTEST Deadline: May 31 Award: $100 / $25 / Print and online publication (each genre) Fee: $15
Our theme for the second annual issue of Flying South is "Words Become Pictures." We're looking for smart, illustrative writing that uses the blank page as a palette for fresh and original written art. Flying South is produced by Winston-Salem Writers, one of the South's largest and most active organizations serving local writers.
Categories are Poetry (up to 3), Flash Fiction (750 words maximum), Short Story (5,000 words maximum), Creative Nonfiction/Memoir/Essay (3,500 words maximum), and Novel Opening (first 500 words only). Complete submission guidelines are available at www.flyingsouth.submittable.com. 13 Conferences May 2015 AWC
Do you want the chance to earn a contract directly with a publishing editor or with a literary agent who will represent you to publishers? Do you want editors and agents to tell you what you’re doing wrong and doing right in your manuscript, synopsis, and query letter? Would you like to discuss your writing project with editors or agents to see if there’s any interest in the marketplace? If you answer, “Yes,” to any or all of these questions, then the Atlanta Writers Club has designed a conference for you:
On Friday May 8 and Saturday, May 9, 2015, the Atlanta Writers Club will present its twelfth Atlanta Writers Conference. The goal of this conference is to give you access to ten top publishing editors and literary agents–never any repeats from previous conferences; always an all-new lineup—and to educate you with a workshop and talks by experienced authors. The editors and agents will respond to your pitch; critique the manuscript sample, query, and synopsis you submit in advance; critique your query letter during a Friday practice session so you can improve your work for Saturday; and educate you about the current environment of the publishing industry and the changing roles of editors, agents, and their clients. AWC Continues to Bring the Top Literary Professionals to You. Presenting the Latest Atlanta Writers Conference on May 8-9.
You could be offered a contract based on the materials you’ve submitted: after every conference some AWC members sign with conference guests and realize their dream of publication (see testimonials at http://atlantawritersconference.com/testimonials/). You might be asked to send additional pages or an entire manuscript for their review. You certainly will know more about how your work is perceived by industry professionals, and you’ll gain valuable experience interacting one-on-one with them. You also will have fun, learn more about the publishing business, and get a chance to chat informally with these editors, agents, and your peers. We will have four editors and six agents in attendance: on Friday, May 8, we’ll feature an Editors Q&A Panel to give you their viewpoints and on Saturday the 9th we will have an Agents Q&A Panel to focus on their experiences and advice. In addition, you can register for two critiques and two pitches from the start, as part of a conference package deal. Moreover, we are featuring a special two-hour Workshop on Friday, May 8 from attorney and literary agent Paul Levine, who will present “Contracts 101 and Legal Issues for Authors” with examples and extensive Q&A. This workshop is for writers at all levels, from those just starting out to authors with books who want to better understand publishing contracts, copyrights, and liabilities. Paul Levine also is one of the agents participating in the manuscript critiques, pitches, and Q&A panel. With the Editors Q&A panel, Query Letter Critique, and the two-hour Workshop, it’s definitely worth taking a half-day off on Friday, May 8 so you can experience all of these educational and developmental opportunities! On Saturday, May 9, while the morning critiques are held, award-winning author SR Johannes will give two 75-minute presentations, and that afternoon while the pitch sessions are held, bestseller Catherine McCall will do two 75-minute presentations. Paul’s 45-minute talks on Friday and the 75- minute presentations on Saturday are free to those who register for any of the paid Conference activities. Finally, to close out the Conference on Saturday afternoon, we feature an award ceremony, where each editor and agent will present a certificate to participants for the best manuscript sample submitted for critique and for the best query letter pitched. Testimonial providers Marie Marquardt and Rebecca Albertalli each were awarded a certificate and you can see how it helped to change their lives!
14 Conferences May 2015 AWC
Those who have succeeded as a result of the conference aren’t the only ones who are grateful for the experience. Conference guest Heather Alexander, Associate Editor for Dial Books, raved, “The Atlanta Writers Conference is a great place for writers to meet editors and agents, and learn some of the ins and outs of the publishing industry. What a great networking and learning opportunity!”
The editors and agents participating in the May 8-9, 2015 Atlanta Writers Conference are:
Allison Malecha, Editorial Assistant at Grove Atlantic
Rachel Ekstrom, Irene Goodman Literary Agency
Stephanie Fretwell-Hill, Peachtree Publishers
Paul Levine, Paul S. Levine Literary Agency
Jody Kahn, Brandt & Hochman Literary Agents
April Osborn, St. Martin’s Press
Michelle Richter, Fuse Literary
Quressa Robinson, Thomas Dunne Books
Andy Ross, Andy Ross Literary Agency
Bridget Smith, Dunham Literary Inc.
Complete details about the Conference are on our Atlanta Writers Conference website: http://atlantawritersconference.com/about/
If you still have any questions after reviewing the Conference website, please contact Atlanta Writers Conference Director George Weinstein at [email protected].
15 Workshops Free to AWC members Clear Your Path to Creativity Through The Enchanted Journey
Sat. July 18, 2015, 12 noon-4 pm with Dr. Terry Segal
The Blue Barn
1035 Green Street There’s more on Roswell, GA 30075 the next page. 678-524-9607
Please dress comfortably Location
16 Workshops
Clear Your Path to Creativity Register
Reserve your space for the 2015 AWC July Banish stress. Remove blocks. Transform your life Workshop via RSVP email to: into an Enchanted Journey. Valerie Connors [email protected]
You will be granted Ten Enchanted Keys for To order signed copies of The Enchanted Mindfulness, Altered Perceptions, Journaling, Journey book: Sensory Experiences, Reduced Clutter, Humor, www.DrTerrySegal.com Movement, Art, Nature and Meditation. Books will also be available the day of the event. Each attendee will receive a signed copy of The Enchanted Journey: Finding the Key That Unlocks You
Objectives Dr. Terry Segal
-To target stressful areas in your life. In the mind: To become aware of Being a writer isn’t easy. You have to sit in the chair and write. internalized Dragons, and Guides who will There you encounter the Critical Dragons of Self-Esteem, Time help you choose thoughts and actions. Management, Doubt and Distraction. It can be hard to focus with In the emotions and body: To notice your body’s feelings and signals. a Dragon in a hula-skirt taunting you and blowing a party horn in your ear. -To become mindful. -To alter perceptions of stress. -To manage stress through coping strategies I’m Terry Segal, Ph.D. in Energy Medicine, L.M.F.T., and author that incorporate joy. of The Enchanted Journey: Finding the Key That Unlocks You. -To use journaling for self-exploration and It’s a book of practical magic that sweeps you away on an stress reduction. odyssey of self-discovery. -To heighten sensory experiences that help create enchantment. As your Enchantress, I invite you to transform your life into a -To experience enchantment through reconnection with the purity and playfulness sensory-rich quest. of the spirited child within. Together, we will navigate perilous pits of stress and dungeons –To pinpoint areas of clutter on the physical, of doom. Armed with a treasure map that includes nuggets of emotional, mental and spiritual planes. research, case histories, and individualized exercises, I’ll help –To explore your style of humor. you find a path that highlights tranquil living and inspiration. –To use movement to enhance productivity, relieve stress and aid organs to function well. Prepare to do battle with your Critical Dragons. I’ll grant –To combine shapes, colors, textures and Enchanted Keys at each of the ten gateways that unleash your images to create art. creative powers. –To realign with nature. –To find an internal “place of peace” from I dare you to choose Enchantment… which to meditate.
17 AWC Author Book Signings, Events, & Appearances
18 AWC Author Spotlight
Barbara Brockway AWC Member Barbara Brockway's short story, "Last Respects," was published in the most recent issue of the online literary journal The
Southern Tablet. This story also won an award at the 2014
Chattahoochee Valley Writers Conference.
You can read it at: www.thesoutherntablet.com
Kerry Denny AWC Member Kerry Denny’s novel, SOULSNATCHER, won the 2nd place prize for 2014 Book of the Year, in The Drunken Druids
International Book Award competition.
19 AWC Author Submission & Other PR Opportunities Writer’s Digest Annual Conference
Writer’s Digest Annual Conference, July 31 – August 2, New York, NY Breakthroughs happen here. Take control of your writing career, hone your craft and fuel your creative fire at Writer’s Digest Annual Conference, brought to you by the editors of the industry’s most trusted source for writing advice and insight for more than 90 years—Writer’s Digest. With more than 50 Agents and Editors participating in the Pitch Slam and dozens of insightful Sessions led by industry experts and successful writers, Writer’s Digest Annual Conference is an unprecedented opportunity to advance your career and improve your practice. LEARN FROM EXPERTS Connect with many of publishing's most respected and knowledgeable writers, agents and editors— including bestselling authors Jonathan Maberry, Hallie Ephron, Jacquelyn Mitchard, G.P Ching and M.J. Rose. Pick the program track that's right for you. Mix –and-match sessions from the four core program areas: Getting Published, Platform & Promotion, Craft and two brand-new tracks: Genre Studies and The Business of Being an Author. PITCH YOUR WORK Bypass the waiting game of sending out query after query and hoping you hear back. At the Pitch Slam, you’ll pitch your work one-on-one to agents and editors searching for new talent and great books. With more than fifty agents and editors slated to participate, the Pitch Slam is a pulse-pounding ride—and a very real opportunity. You'll pitch to each agent for 90 seconds and then receive 90 seconds of instant, invaluable feedback—and maybe a request to hear more. GROW YOUR NETWORK Writers, meet your people! Establish real connections with your fellow writers—and industry insiders. From informal get- togethers to stimulating workshop discussions, community is built into every aspect of this event. Visit the website for details at: http://www.writersdigestconference.com
20 AWC Author Submission & Other PR Opportunities Pilcrow and Dagger Literary Magazine Pilcrow & Dagger is an international literary magazine. Launched in January 2015, submissions have come from Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, Canada, and the US. They accept fiction, fantasy, horror, humor, young adult, creative non-fiction, science fiction, essays, and poetry. They will also accept original photographs and artwork. Be sure to check the submission guidelines and themes at www.pilcrowdagger.com/submissions.
Their goal is to be a forum for authors, previously published or just starting out, to promote their work. To date, numerous authors from around the globe have had their short stories, essays and poems published. And two authors were chosen to have their work recorded and presented in the style of an old-time radio program via Podcast. They can be heard at www.pilcrowdagger.com/podcasts.
Pilcrow& Dagger also publishes interviews with authors who have chosen to self- or indie- publish their work. This is to help guide and encourage new authors in the process as well as support the hard work that goes into writing and publishing. The premier interview was with Amanda Harms, author of the Middle Grades book Bewildered. The April issue will host an interview with Liz Schulte, author of the Guardian Series, Easy Bake Coven Series, and the Jinn Series.
The website, www.pilcrowdagger.com, is home to their blog which provides writing help and tips for writers. Editor A. Marie Silver has written a Forensic and Fiction series that highlights the correct vocabulary and investigative techniques of crime scene investigators which crime and thriller writers will find most helpful. Editor LeeAnn Rhoden has written series on weapons, characterization, and essays. On Sunday, they take a break from teaching and have great fun with the Sunday News complete with satirical editorials, a snarky advice columnist, eyebrow-raising classified ads, puzzles and much more. You can sign up for the newsletter and get the most up-to-date information.
Pilcrow & Dagger also makes marketing space available for authors with a cover reveal or book launch, editors, artists, publishers, publicists, or anyone needing to get their skills and work noticed. A Media Packet is available at www.pilcrowdagger.com/about/advertising. With a growing global market this is an excellent and affordable platform.
Pilcrow & Dagger magazine is available in print or digital form in annual subscriptions or by individual issues at www.pilcrowdagger.com/subscriptions. Don’t miss out, get yours today. You can check out the premier issue for free as well as the March issue sneak peek at www.pilcrowdagger.com/issues.
21 On the Lighter Side
22 Etc.
Media contact: Jessica Miller [email protected] – 404-872-5338 x 228
CALLANWOLDE FINE ARTS CENTER PRESENTS A BOOK AFFAIR
Atlanta, GA, March 2015 – Callanwolde Fine Arts Center has RESCHEDULED the kick-off for this new quarterly forum for May 14, 2015, 6:30 PMfor local authors.“We’re very excited to offer this unique concept to the Atlanta community,” says Callanwolde’s Executive Director Peggy Johnson. A Book Affair provides guest authors a unique opportunity to present, discuss and sign their books in an environment that is both informative and entertaining. Each event opens with a meet-and-greet wine reception, followed by the book presentation and concludes with a discussion and Q&A session.
“A Book Affair promises to be THE must-attend book author’s event
in the Atlanta area, and we are thrilled to be involved,” says Linda Torrence, whose company Torrence Management Communications serves as the conceptual and collaborative partner for A Book Affair.
23 Etc. Charles Martin
Gwinnett County Public Library in partnership with Books for Less will host bestselling author Charles Martin for a book discussion and signing on June 3 starting at 7 pm.
Martin will discuss “Water from My Heart,” his breathtaking novel of love and redemption. Charles Martin is a New York Times bestselling author of ten previous novels, including his most recent book “A Life Intercepted.” His works is available in 17 languages.
He lives in Jacksonville, FL with his wife and their three sons.
Books will be available for purchase and signing. Books For Less is located at 2815 Buford Dr. NE #108, Buford, GA 30519.
Kimberly Schlapman
Grammy-winning artist Kimberly Schlapman of Little Big
Town vocal group is on national tour to promote her new cookbook!
May 8th
7:30 Norcross Cultural Arts &Community Center
10 College St NW, Norcross GA
24 Etc. World Horror Convention
For Immediate Release Contact: John C. Farris [email protected] 678-9387094
World Horror Convention Celebrates 25th Anniversary, in Atlanta, May 7-10
ATLANTA (April 15, 2015)—The 25th anniversary of the World Horror Convention (WHC) is coming to Atlanta, May 7-10, at the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel. Presented by the Horror Writers Association (HWA) and sponsored by Samhain Publishing-Horror, Michael Randolph, Dark Regions Press and Journal Stone, the WHC is the premiere event that brings horror fiction fans, writers, artists and other industry professionals together in one location. The 25th WHC guests of honor include: author John Farris, author Kami Garcia, author Christopher Golden, author Charlaine Harris, author Lisa Tuttle, editor Chris Ryall and artist Bob Eggleton. The multiple Bram Stoker Award-winning author, Jonathan Maberry, serves as Toastmaster. Registration costs $175 through April 30, 2015, and $200 from May 1, 2015 onwards and at the door.
The WHC features an array of programming, including: welcome cocktails, a mass author book signing (on Friday, May 8), the WHC Art Show, the dealers room, the Artists Wine & Cheese Reception, Kaffeeklatches, readings, panels and, of course, the Bram Stoker Awards Banquet. For the first time, a cash prize will be awarded for the best piece of art (as voted by Convention members) in the Art Show.
Also, on Friday, May 8, Professor Morte’s Silver Scream Spook show presents the 25th Anniversary WHC Ball. The costumed gala event is held from 8:30 p.m. to 12:30 a.m., in the Imperial Ballroom of the Atlanta Marriott Marquis Hotel. Emceed by one of Atlanta’s top F/X creators, Shane Morton, and judged by celebrity guests like Michael Massee, the ball features a DJ, prizes for best costumes and giveaways galore! Tickets are just $25 and may be purchased apart from convention memberships. Note: those with a ticket/membership to the entire Convention, or the $85 Friday evening/Saturday day ticket/membership do NOT need to purchase a separate Costume Ball ticket.
In addition to the festivities planned for the convention, the WHC will host the prestigious Bram Stoker Awards Ceremony, on Saturday evening, May 9. Named in honor of the author of the seminal horror novel Dracula, the Bram Stoker Awards® are presented annually for superior writing in 11 categories, including traditional fiction of various lengths, poetry, screenplays and non-fiction. Previous winners include Stephen King, J.K. Rowling, George R. R. Martin, Joyce Carol Oates and Neil Gaiman.
The HWA also presents a Lifetime Achievement Award to living individuals who have made a substantial and enduring contribution to the genre. This year’s Lifetime Achievement recipients are Jack Ketchum and Tanith Lee. http://www.whc2015.org/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/375336315942423/ https://www.facebook.com/groups/Horrorwritersassoc/
About the Horror Writers Association The Horror Writers Association (www.horror.org), the peak group for horror writers, is also hosting World Horror Convention as part of our regular Weekend. The HWA is a worldwide organization promoting dark literature and its creators. Started in 1985, it has more than 1,200 members writing professionally in fiction, nonfiction, videogames, film, poetry, comics and other media.
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25 Administrative Matters New Critique Group Forming– Poetry
This new critique group with a focus on poetry will meet on the third Sunday of the month, in various Roswell locations. For more information, contact Nathan Simone at: [email protected]
Procedure for Joining AWC Critique Groups:
1. All requests from AWC members to join a critique group are to be forwarded to [email protected]. Ron Aiken currently serves as the Critique Group Coordinator for the AWC. 2. Members should include in their request: a. Their location b. Availability c. Genre d. Writing sample (first chapter, short story, poetry) 3. Based upon information provided by members in their email request and available open- ings, the Coordinator will attempt to place members. Coordinator will periodically poll critique groups for status updates. 4. Coordinator will forward member’s information to appropriate critique group leader. Genre is taken into account, but members generally will be placed first come-first served. 5. Coordinator will compile and maintain member “wait list.” 6. Coordinator will attempt to form new critique groups from the wait list.
We depend on our members for support, and ask for volunteers to help out with some of the many exciting programs heading our way in the coming months.
We'll need check-in volunteers for each of our future monthly meetings. If you would like to volunteer for a specific meeting, please let VP of Operations Jennifer Wiggins know which month you prefer. Or, if you would like to volunteer but are unsure about your availability until the time gets nearer, she will gladly include you in her list of volunteers to contact at a later date. Please respond to: [email protected].
Changes in red Club-Sponsored Critique Groups
Alpharetta All Genres Barnes & Noble on North Point Buzz Bernard [email protected] FULL Parkway in Alpharetta on the 2nd Thursday of every month at 7 p.m
Avondale Estates Nonfiction Mon, 6:30 p.m. @ Urban Therra Cathryn [email protected] Open Grounds Gwyn
Avondale Estates Nonfiction Tues, 7‐9 p.m. @ Urban Rebecca Ewing [email protected] Wait list Grounds
Buckhead/Midtown Poetry 4th Sat @11 a.m. Karen Holmes [email protected] Full
Conyers All genres Every other Tues, 6:30 @ Nancy Fletcher [email protected] Whistle Post Tavern
Decatur All genres Every other Thursday at A Trauring [email protected] Open ChocoLate, 2094 North Decatur Road, Decatur Decatur Adult/YA fiction Monthly on Tues, 6:45 Ricky Jacobs [email protected] Open
Decatur Children's and YA Every other Tues 10 a.m. – Ricky Jacobs [email protected] Wait list fiction 12:15 @ Java Monkey
Decatur Adult/YA fiction Every 3rd Wed @ 7 @ Java Ron Aiken [email protected] Wait List groups Monkey
Decatur Fiction Every other Wed, 6:30 pm @ Ruth Gresh [email protected] Wait list ChocoLate Coffee – Clair- mont/ North Decatur Road. Dunwoody All genres Once a month, on the Kieran Pavlick [email protected]. Open Saturday of the AWC meeting at 12:30 in the Georgia Perimeter Col- lege break room Dunwoody All genres 1st and 3rd Fri,1‐3 p.m. @ Gelia 770‐274‐5246 Open Georgia Perimeter College Dolcimascolo Library Building, Rm 3100
Lawrenceville/Snellville Novel, Short 1st Saturday Ken Schmanski [email protected] Full Story & Memoir @ 9:30 a.m. - noon @ mem- ber's home
Marietta All genres 1st and 3rd Tues, 7‐9 p.m. Linda Sullivan [email protected] Wait list
Poncey-Highlands All genera 2nd & 4th Monday John Whittemore [email protected] Starting Manuel's Tavern email John for time
Roswell Poetry 3rd Sunday Nathan Simone [email protected] Forming
Roswell All genres 4th Saturday of month Joe Ansley [email protected] New 770-827-1255
Roswell All genres 2nd and 4th Tues 6:45 ‐ 8:45 George Weinstein (770) 552‐5887 Open p.m. member’s home [email protected]
Roswell All genres 2nd and 4th Wed, 7 to 9 p.m. Jemille Williams [email protected] Open women’s Roswell All genres Twice monthly, Mon, 10:30 Lynn Wesch [email protected] Open a.m. – 12:30 p.m. @ Roswell Library.
27 Administrative Matters
Membership Renewal—What to Expect
The AWC has an automated system for tracking mem- berships and alerting members when it's time to re- new. You will receive an e-mail from the system
([email protected]) one month before your membership expiration date. If you haven't re- newed within two weeks of expiration, you will receive another e-mail and a final e-mail one week from expi- ration if you haven't yet renewed. If the expiration date for your membership passes without renewal, the system will mark your membership as expired. It is a good e-mail practice to check your spam/junk folder to see if any legitimate e-mail has been misfiled there, possibly including the email you'll receive from [email protected] prior to the expira- tion of your membership.
28 Administrative Matters
Membership Information – The Atlanta Writers Club
Regular membership dues are $50 per year per person. Students can join for $40 per year. Family members of active AWC members can join for $25 per year.
We are one of the best literary bargains in town. The Atlanta Writers Club is simply a group of writers that work together to help each other improve their skills and attain their writing goals. Anyone can join, with no prior publication requirements. Here are a just a few mem- bership benefits:
Monthly meetings. On the third Saturday of each month, our members gather to listen and learn from two guest speakers who cover a broad range of topics and genres, and come to us from many facets of the literary world. Our speakers include published authors, literary agents, editors, playwrights and poets, just to name a few. Please refer to our list of upcom- ing guest speakers in this newsletter. Workshops. Your membership provides access to outstanding writing workshops. Some are free with membership and others are provided at a discounted price. Watch for announce- ments about upcoming workshops. Twice-Yearly Writers Conferences. This is your opportunity to spend time face to face with a literary agent or editor and have the chance to pitch your work. Conferences include agent Q & A panels, writing workshops, and a social gathering where you’ll get to meet and talk with the agents and editors in a more informal setting. Critique Groups. We now have approximately twenty (20) different critique groups avail- able to members. Scattered about the Atlanta metro area, these critique groups meet regu- larly to read each other’s writings and recommend modifications. Writing Contests With Cash Prizes. Contests are held in the spring and fall, with a wide variety of formats and topics. Monthly Newsletter. Our monthly newsletter, the eQuill, provides the opportunity for our members to advertise their book launches and book signings to a wide reaching mailing list. And, it will keep you up to date with news about writing opportunities and literary events across the Southeast and beyond. Decatur Book Festival Participation. The Atlanta Writers Club has a tent at the Decatur Book Festival each year, that’s staffed by member volunteers. It’s a great way to get in- volved in the largest book festival in the area.
Potential members are invited to attend a first meeting as our guest. After that, we’re sure you will want to become a member and take advantage of all the benefits that come with it. You may join The Atlanta Writers Club at any of our events or meetings, or pay on line at our website using PayPal at http://www.atlantawritersclub.org/membership.html. If you have additional questions, contact AWC President Michael Brown at [email protected]
Membership Form
□ New Membership [Individual] [Family]
□ Renewal [Individual] [Family]
▪If this is a Renewal, please update your information▪
First Name: ______Last Name: ______Cell Phone:______Other Phone:______Email:______Alternate Email:______
First Name: ______Last Name: ______Cell Phone:______Other Phone:______Email:______Alternate Email:______
▪For additional family members, please use additional forms▪
I would like to become involved with the AWC as a: □Meeting Volunteer □Conference Volunteer
□Decatur Book Festival Volunteer □ Other (please specify):
AWC MEMBERSHIP DUES Individual [$50.00]: $______
Family [add family members for $25.00each]: $______Membership is for ONE YEAR Student [$40.00]: $______
Make checks payable to: Atlanta Writers Club Tax Deductible Donation: $______Total:$______Mail check and form to: Atlanta Writers Club C/O Valerie Connors, Treasurer 3813 Club Forest Drive Norcross, GA 30092
The Atlanta Writers Club is a 501(c)(3) non‐profit organization. All donations are tax deductible.
Name: ______donated $ ______to the Atlanta Writers Club.
Date:______
No goods or services were provided in exchange for or in association with this donation. ▪Please keep this portion of the form as you receipt▪